Posts for October, 2025

This year we are raising funds for Badenoch Shinty Memories
Badenoch Shinty Memories Group offers support to members of our elderly community living with dementia, experiencing loneliness or isolation by coming together socially.
Times –
Arrival and parking from 9.30am
Dip 10.30 am
£10 Entry fee donation
FOOD AND DRINK
The Boathouse Restaurant will be open for takeaway breakfast rolls and hot drinks between 10am and 12 noon tables will be on a first come first served
PARKING
Please allow some extra time for parking as this can get quite busy and car share as much as you can!
WE ASK PARTICIPANTS TO SIGN UP ONLINE BEFORE 11AM ON 31st DECEMBER

Guided stargazing sessions in small groups of up to 10 people in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with its exceptional dark skies.

Ever wondered about the stars and constellations and wanted to find out more? Take some time out with a star gazing experience at Howe of Torbeg! Spend time in a gorgeous rural location & learn how to find key objects and constellations in the night sky on your own.

Simple & accessible, looking at the stars and learning a bit about them is the perfect way to get away from it all for a few hours, & spend some time in nature.

Scotland has some of the best dark skies in Europe, including across the Cairngorms National Park, where Howe of Torbeg is situated, just outside Ballater, with simply amazing star gazing opportunities. A dark sky area is an area with exceptional dark skies and little to no light pollution.


On the night, we’ll gather in our Wee Studio for an interactive presentation, introducing you to the night sky. This is followed by an outdoor fire bowl & hot chocolate to keep you cosy & then a guided walk up the Glen to see the stars. Looking at the night sky will be a group experience guided by laser pointer.

No queuing for telescopes, we’ll be observing in the great outdoors, away from buildings.
Suitable for beginners.

We’re extremely excited to announce that Santa Claus will be visiting the park on the 13th & 14th of December.

Santa will be arriving at the park with six of his favourite reindeer! Yes, that’s right, real reindeer! Come meet Santa and his reindeer between 12-3.30 pm.

From November 22nd, from 4 pm – 6 pm, step into a magical winter wonderland where lights, sounds, and dazzling effects transform the Ancient Forest into an unforgettable escape.

🌲 Red Squirrel Trail – climb into the treetops by day, then explore a glowing UV tunnel by night.
💫 Laser Show – a spectacular display illuminating the forest.
🍴 Forest Food Stop – enjoy tasty snacks and drinks.
🔥 Roasting Pits – toast marshmallows or s’mores under the stars.

The trail is pram and wheelchair friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. (Please note: part of the trail includes a sound installation.)

Don’t miss out and book your Twi-LIGHTS experience today!

Run Balmoral is North-East Scotland’s biggest mass participation sporting event.

Each year around 5000 runners, from primary-school pupils to international athletes, take part in our two-day community running festival, set against the spectacular backdrop of Balmoral Castle and Estate.

Joining them are around 10,000 spectators, all free to enjoy the food and fun of the bustling event village, as well as the beauty of the event’s magical Deeside location. Every finisher receives a special medal and, in 2026, will have the option to purchase a sustainable Run Balmoral t-shirt. Saturday plays host to the McIntosh Plant Hire 1.5km Primary Schools Race, the RAM Tubulars 2.5km Secondary Schools Race, the Harbour Energy 5km and the Stena Drilling 10km.

Sunday is trails day with two off-road events: the 6 Mile Trail Race and the 15 Mile Trail Race. Take on all four main events over the two days and you’ll become one of our John Clark Motor Group Devils of Deeside!

Meet at The Grantown Hub at 12.30pm for a relaxed heritage walk for all ages through town and woods with musical interludes.

Arrive at Grant Park at 13.45pm for an outdoor picnic and more music. (N.B. Picnic is weather dependent).

The perfect way to unwind after the multifarious FoS programme the day before – musicians, please bring your instruments and join in the fun!!!

Part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in.

Joy Rides are all about using your bike to get around and passing on the magic of time spent on two wheels to anyone that wants to join in, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment.

These group rides meet once a week in Aviemore (Apr-Oct) and Grantown-on-Spey (Jul-Oct). They’re inclusive and social cycle rides, with options for a shorter 1-hour ride or a longer 2-hour outing. When there’s good conversation and the chance for a cake stop, the riding doesn’t always have to be priority number one!

Rides are led by a qualified, experienced ride leader, who will plan the route to be suitable for all participants and will carry the necessary tools and equipment to sort out any trail-side mishaps. Routes will take in quiet road sections and multi-use off-road trails. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to join in, and almost any bike will be suitable, from hybrid/town bikes through to mountain bikes and e-bikes.

Hill to Grill is back!

Join Cairngorms Connect and friends for a day celebrating and exploring local forests and enjoying delicious local food

When: Saturday 25th of October 2025, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Nethy Bridge Playing Field

Tickets: Hill to Grill is completely free but why not click ‘Going’ on our Facebook, so we can make sure we have enough burgers for everyone!

Due to increased popularity, some elements of the event will require booking in advance – there will still be lots of drop-in activities on the day too. More info coming soon!

We’re excited to welcome you to Cairngorms Connect’s free outdoor festival celebrating local forests and local food. We’ve got a whole host of exciting activities planned for people of all ages and abilities, from woodworking to cooking demonstrations.

Learn about the importance of Deer management to restore local forests while enjoying a free BBQ with wild Cairngorms Connect Venison and other local, foraged, and gathered produce.

Meet a local butcher who will teach us about preparing different cuts of venison and what they are best used for.

Discover new ways to incorporate local food into your everyday meals with simple and inspiring cooking demonstrations from Scottish food expert Catriona Frankitti.

Immerse yourself in the folklore and stories of the forest with Sarah from Strathspey Storywalks.

Join in with family-friendly games and activities throughout the day
Hill to Grill is a largely outdoor event, mostly taking place in tents and on the Playing Field behind Nethy Community Centre, so please dress appropriately, and prepare for all weathers.

The event area is accessible for wheelchair users and buggies, but the grassy ground could be a little rough in places so please take care.

Family Friendly Halloween Archery
Get ready for a thrilling 90-minute Halloween archery session! Take aim at spooky targets like ghosts, vampires, and zombies, perfect for kids and adults alike. After mastering your archery skills, let your little monsters decorate their own pumpkins and watch them go ‘splat’ in our exciting pumpkin-shooting finale. With professional coaching, fun challenges, and Halloween candy for the kids, this session promises spooky outdoor fun for all the family.

Highlights;
90-minute Halloween-themed archery experience
Shoot at creepy targets like vampires and ghouls
Pumpkin decorating in family / small groups and smashing finale
Suitable for kids (ages 8+) and adults
Halloween candy included!

Looking for the perfect way to keep the kids active and entertained this Inset Day? Our Day Camp is back on Monday 15th September, 10am – 3pm, and it’s going to be a day jam-packed with exciting activities, fun challenges, and outdoor adventure! 🌲🎉

🌟 Our camps are always popular, and spaces go quickly – so don’t wait around! The first 10 people to book will get 10% OFF using code CAMP10.

Our camp is designed to keep your little adventurers entertained, active, and engaged throughout the day. From thrilling laser tag battles to fun-filled raft-building, they’ll discover new skills, make new friends, and create fantastic memories!